Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel

Range: Breeds in the western North Pacific, migrating to the northern Indian Ocean in winter. Recent sightings in the eastern North Atlantic suggest possible breeding there. Accidental off Cape Hatters, North Carolina.

Identification: (Oceanodroma monorhis)

Similar to Leaches Storm-Petrel in appearance. All dark body and wings. Wings relatively long and broad with obvious pale carpal bar. Dark rump and deeply forked tail. Very difficult to distinguish from similar species.

Length: 18 (cm)
Wingspan: 45 (cm)

Habitat:

Forages over open ocean. Nests in burrows like other storm-petrels.

Behavior:

Erratic swooping flight with fluttery wingbeats

Feeding:

Feeds by dipping down to the water and picking planktonic food items from the surface.